How did you end up playing in Japan?Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf: I know coach (David) Benoit. I didn't even know he was coaching in Japan. He knew I was interested in playing. So coach knowing me and me knowing him, it was just a perfect match.

JEDDAH, 23 November 2007 - Al-Ittihad are known for bringing in great talent to beef up their roster, Shamgod, Tony Madison to name a few. This year with the addition of Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf they bring a seasoned professional to run the offense.Abdul-Rauf embraced Islam in 1991. After a record-setting college career at Louisiana State University, the Denver Nuggets selected him in the 1990 NBA Draft. He played with Denver until 1995, and was a key player on that team, winning the Most Improved Player award in 1993.

He has kept the letters, nearly every one. That is, except for the death threats. Those he threw away. Dear Mr. Abdul-Rauf, Go back to Africa. He made sure he took them when he fled Denver, and then for every move he and his family have made since. Mahmoud, Fuck you. The insults and the profanities, he keeps them stuffed in a white trash bag, inside a closet. Reminders of his life's seminal moment-those 90 seconds on the floor of Denver's old McNichols Arena.